Fort Donelson National Battlefield

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National & State Parks

Fort Donelson National Battlefield

courtesy of the National Park Service

Contact Information:
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
P.O. Box 434
Dover, TN 37058
931-232-5348
http://www.nps.gov/fodo/

Size: 552 acres

Location: Fort Donelson National Battlefield is located one mile west of Dover, Tennessee, and 3 miles east of Land Between the Lakes on US 79.

Description: The first major victory for the Union Army in the Civil War occurred here in February of 1862 under the leadership of Ulysses S. Grant. Fort Donelson (Dover) National Cemetery (1,842 interments; 504 unidentified) adjoins the park.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield
courtesy of the National Park Service

Activities: The tour at Fort Donelson National Battlefield is self-guided. Most visitors gain a better understanding of the battle by first visiting the museum and viewing the 10-minute audiovisual program. A park brochure explains the six-mile, self-guided tour. Park Rangers are available for questions. The park has 5.7 miles of hiking trails for nature lovers to enjoy. Visitors can pick up a trail guide at the visitor center.

Operating Hours: Fort Donelson visitor center is opened daily 8:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m.; closed December 25.

History: Established as National Military Park on March 26, 1928; redesignated on August 9, 1985.

See other National Battlefields
See other Tennessee National Parks
See other Civil War Parks

Lauren Himiak
National & State Parks Guide

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